System and method for mounting and aligning different size optical components using linked-rail mounting

ABSTRACT

The disclosure relates to an apparatus for mounting optical components in a manner that self-aligns the optical axes of the optical components. The apparatus uses an optical component mount that includes a housing consisting of a single rail mount configured to mechanically couple to a portion of a rail for supporting the optical component mount on a rail. The housing also has an optical component dock configured to support an optical component in a manner that defines an optical axis. The rail mount and the optical component dock are configured to make the optical axis substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the rail. Using such optical component mounts secured to the rail would result in the self-alignment of the optical axes of optical components on the optical component mounts. Various embodiments of such apparatus are also provided in the disclosure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/582,925, filed on Dec. 24, 2014, which is incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to optical systems, and in particular,to a system and method for mounting and aligning optical componentsusing single-rail mounting.

BACKGROUND

Optical measurement systems are typically employed to measure certainproperties or characteristics of one or more specimens. In implementingsuch measurements, optical measurement systems employ various opticalcomponents arranged in a particular manner in order to effectuate theintended measurement on the one or more specimens. Such opticalcomponents include, but are not limited to, light sources, filters,lenses, mirrors, spatial filters, modulators, choppers, collimators,detectors, diffusers, fiber optics, prisms, and others.

Optical components of such an optical measurement system are typicallymounted on an optical table using various types of fixed mounts. Suchfixed optical component mounts are secured to separate posts that are,in turn, secured to an optical table. With individual components beingon separate posts, optical alignment typically requires significanteffort to properly adjust the position and orientation of eachindividual mount. For instance, considerable effort is often made toproperly orient each optical component so that its optic surface facesan incoming beam substantially perpendicular. Further, substantialeffort is often employed in aligning optical components concentric witheach other (e.g., so that their optical axes are substantially aligned).

In many systems, optical alignment is often performed with a live beam.This method of optical system setup entails relying on a live beam spotimage to properly align the optics of the system. Again, such alignmentmethod involves considerable effort, typically repeated, and timeconsuming to properly position and orient optical components so thattheir optical surfaces are substantially perpendicular to the incomingbeam and concentric with each other.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the disclosure relates to an apparatus for mounting atleast a group of optical components in a manner that self-aligns theoptical axes of the optical components without requiring alignment bylive light beam.

In particular, the apparatus comprises a rail and a first opticalcomponent mount. The first optical component mount comprises a firsthousing consisting of a first rail mount mechanically coupled to aportion of the rail for supporting the first optical component mount onthe rail. The first housing further comprises a first optical componentdock configured to support a first optical component in a manner thatdefines a first optical axis. The first rail mount and the first opticalcomponent dock are configured such that the first optical axis issubstantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the rail.

In another aspect, the rail may be configured to have a “D” shapedcross-section. That is, a portion of the cross-section of the rail maybe semicircular, and another portion thereof may be flat. Thecross-section may be uniform throughout its longitudinal axis. The “D”shaped rail assists in the alignment of the optical axes of the opticalcomponent mounts mounted on the rail.

In another aspect, the first optical component dock is configured as acylindrical hole, wherein a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical holesubstantially aligns with the first optical axis. In still anotheraspect, the first rail mount comprises a hole formed within the firsthousing. In yet another aspect, the first optical component mountfurther comprises a locking mechanism for securely locking the rail ontothe first rail mount. In a further aspect, the locking mechanismcomprises a threaded screw positioned within a threaded hole within thefirst housing, wherein the threaded screw includes a flat end surface isconfigured to contact the flat surface of the rail to urge the portionof the rail against the first housing within the hole to securely lockthe rail onto the first rail mount. This results in the proper alignmentof the optical axes and orientations of all the optical componentsmounted on the rail via the optical component mounts.

In another aspect, the apparatus further comprises a second opticalcomponent mount including a second housing consisting of a second railmount mechanically coupled to another portion of the rail for supportingthe second optical component mount on the rail. The second housingfurther comprising a second optical component dock configured to supporta second optical component in a manner that defines a second opticalaxis. The second rail mount and the second optical component dock areconfigured such that the second optical axis substantially aligns withthe first optical axis.

In another aspect, the apparatus further comprises a base configured tobe attached to an optical table; and a telescopic assembly comprising abore mounted substantially vertically on the base, a telescopic mountconfigured to slide vertically along and rotate angularly around alongitudinal axis of the bore, the first optical component mount beingsupported by the telescopic mount, and a locking mechanism configured tolock the telescopic mount within the bore at a vertical position andangular orientation as desired by a user.

Another aspect of the disclosure relates to an apparatus for mountingoptical components in a manner that non-parallel optical axes fromdifferent optical components substantially aligns with a set of opticalaxes of a junction optical component.

In particular, the apparatus comprises a first rail and a second rail.The apparatus further includes a first optical component mountcomprising a first housing consisting of a first rail mount mechanicallycoupled to a first portion of the first rail for supporting the firstoptical component mount on the first rail. The first housing furthercomprising a first optical component dock configured to support a firstoptical component in a manner that defines a first optical axis. Thefirst rail mount and the first optical component dock are configuredsuch that the first optical axis is substantially parallel with a firstlongitudinal axis of the first rail.

The apparatus further comprises a second optical component mountcomprising a second housing consisting of a second rail mountmechanically coupled to a first portion of the second rail forsupporting the second optical component mount on the second rail. Thesecond housing further comprising a second optical component dockconfigured to support a second optical component in a manner thatdefines a second optical axis. The second rail mount and the secondoptical component dock are configured such that the second optical axisis substantially parallel with a second longitudinal axis of the secondrail.

The apparatus further comprises a junction optical component mountmechanically coupled to a second portion of the first rail and a secondportion of the second rail, wherein the junction optical component mountis configured to support a junction optical component in a manner thatdefines a set of optical axes, wherein the first and second optical axessubstantially aligns with the optical axes of the set, respectively.

In another aspect, the apparatus comprises a third optical componentmount including a third housing consisting of a third rail mountmechanically coupled to a third portion of the first rail for supportingthe third optical component mount on the first rail, the third housingfurther comprising a third optical component dock configured to supporta third optical component in a manner that defines a third optical axis,wherein the third rail mount and the third optical component dock areconfigured such that the third optical axis substantially aligns withone of the optical axes of the set.

In another aspect, the apparatus further comprises a third railincluding a first portion mechanically coupled to the junction opticalcomponent mount; and a third optical component mount including a thirdhousing consisting of a third rail mount mechanically coupled to asecond portion of the third rail for supporting the third opticalcomponent mount on the third rail. The third housing further comprises athird optical component dock configured to support a third opticalcomponent in a manner that defines a third optical axis, wherein thethird optical axis substantially aligns with one of the optical axes ofthe set.

In another aspect, the apparatus further comprises a third opticalcomponent mount including a third housing consisting of a third railmount mechanically coupled to a third portion of the first rail forsupporting the third optical component mount on the first rail. Thethird housing further comprising a third optical component dockconfigured to support a third optical component in a manner that definesa third optical axis. The third rail mount and the third opticalcomponent dock are configured such that the third optical axissubstantially aligns with one of the optical axes of the set.

The apparatus further comprises a third rail including a first portionmechanically coupled to the junction optical component mount; and afourth optical component mount including a fourth housing consisting ofa fourth rail mount mechanically coupled to a second portion of thethird rail for supporting the fourth optical component mount on thethird rail. The fourth housing further comprises a fourth opticalcomponent dock configured to support a fourth optical component in amanner that defines a fourth optical axis, wherein the fourth opticalaxis substantially aligns with another one of the optical axes of theset.

In another aspect, the apparatus further comprises a base configured tobe attached to an optical table; and a telescopic assembly including abore mounted substantially vertical on the base, a telescopic mountconfigured to slide vertically along and rotate angularly around alongitudinal axis of the bore, wherein the junction optical componentmount is mounted on the telescopic mount, and a locking mechanismconfigured to lock the telescopic mount within the bore at a verticalposition and angular orientation as desired by a user.

Another aspect of the disclosure relates to an apparatus for mountingoptical components of different sizes or diameters in a manner thatself-aligns the optical axes of the optical components.

In particular, the apparatus comprises a first rail and a second rail.The apparatus further comprises a first optical component mountcomprising a first housing consisting of a first rail mount mechanicallycoupled to a first portion of the first rail for supporting the firstoptical component mount on the first rail. The first housing furthercomprising a first optical component dock configured to support a firstoptical component in a manner that defines a first optical axis. Thefirst rail mount and the first optical component dock are configuredsuch that the first optical axis is substantially parallel with a firstlongitudinal axis of the first rail.

Additionally, the apparatus comprises a second optical component mountcomprising a second housing consisting of a second rail mountmechanically coupled to a first portion of the second rail forsupporting the second optical component mount on the second rail. Thesecond housing further comprising a second optical component dockconfigured to support a second optical component in a manner thatdefines a second optical axis. The second rail mount and the secondoptical component dock are configured such that the second optical axisis substantially parallel with a second longitudinal axis of the secondrail, wherein the first and second longitudinal axes are substantiallyparallel and spaced apart from each other.

Further, the apparatus comprises a link block including a third housingcomprising a third rail mount mechanically coupled to a second portionof the first rail, and a fourth rail mount mechanically coupled to asecond portion of the second rail. The third and fourth rail mounts areconfigured to substantially align the second optical axis with the firstoptical axis.

In another aspect, the first optical component mount dock comprises afirst cylindrical hole through the first housing, and the second opticalcomponent dock comprises a second cylindrical hole through the secondhousing, wherein a first diameter of the first cylindrical hole isgreater than a second diameter of the second cylindrical hole. In otheraspects, the third rail mount of the link block comprises a hole, andthe fourth rail mount comprises a groove.

Other aspects, advantages and novel features of the disclosure willbecome apparent from the following detailed description of the inventionwhen considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary apparatus formounting and aligning optical components in accordance with an aspect ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary apparatus ofFIG. 1A, but further including optical components mounted thereon inaccordance with another aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of another exemplary apparatusfor mounting and aligning optical components with respect to a junctionoptical component in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 2B illustrates a top view of the exemplary apparatus of FIG. 2A,without the junction optical component mounted thereon in accordancewith another aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of another exemplary apparatus formounting and aligning optical components in accordance with anotheraspect of the disclosure.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate front, side, and bottom views of an exemplaryoptical component mount in accordance with another aspect of thedisclosure.

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate front, side, bottom and perspective views of anexemplary link block in accordance with another aspect of thedisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary apparatus 100 formounting and aligning optical components in accordance with an aspect ofthe disclosure. In summary, the apparatus 100 comprises a plurality ofoptical component mounts to which a plurality of optical components maybe mounted, respectively. The optical component mounts are secured ontoa single rail. The securing of the optical component mounts onto thesingle rail ensures that the optical axes of the optical components aresubstantially aligned. That is, the alignment of the optical axes mayentail the optical components being substantially concentric with eachother, and/or the optical surface of each of the components beingsubstantially perpendicular to the transmitted or received light beam.

More specifically, the apparatus 100 comprises a plurality of opticalcomponent mounts 120 a, 120 b, 120 c, and 120 d. Although in thisexample, the apparatus 100 comprises four (4) optical component mounts,it shall be understood that the apparatus may have any number of opticalcomponent mount(s). The apparatus 100 further comprises a single rail110 to which the optical components mounts are securely mounted. In thisexample, the rail 110 has a semi-circular cross-section with a flatsurface 112. As discussed further herein, the flat surface 112 is usedin connection with a locking mechanism to secure the optical componentmounts 120 a, 120 b, 120 c, and 120 d on the rail 110. However, it shallbe understood that that the rail 110 may be configured with across-section of any shape.

More specifically, each optical component mount (120 a, 120 b, 120 c,and 120 d) comprises a housing (122 a, 122 b, 122 c, and 122 d) thatconsists of a single rail mount (124 a, 124 b, 124 c, and 124 d)mechanically coupled to a portion of the rail 110 for supporting theoptical component mount on the rail. In the exemplary embodiment, therail mount (124 a, 124 b, 124 c, and 124 d) is configured as a holethrough the housing (122 a, 122 b, 122 c, and 122 d). It shall beunderstood that the rail mount may be configured in many differentmanners.

Each optical component mount (120 a, 120 b, 120 c, and 120 d) includes alocking mechanism (128 a/130 a, 128 b/130 b, 128 c/130 c, and 128 d/130d) for securely locking the rail 110 to the rail mount (124 a, 124 b,124 c, and 124 d). In the exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanismcomprises a countersink threaded hole (128 a, 128 b, 128 c, and 128 d)extending from a side wall of the housing (122 a, 122 b, 122 c, and 122d) to the hole (124 a, 124 b, 124 c, and 124 d). Further, in accordancewith the exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a lockscrew (130 a, 130 b, 130 c, and 130 d) threaded into the countersinkhole (128 a, 128 b, 128 c, and 128 d). As discussed in more detailfurther herein, the tail end of the locking screw (130 a, 130 b, 130 c,and 130 d) makes contact with the flat surface 112 to urge the rail 110against the internal wall of the hole (124 a, 124 b, 124 c, and 124 d)to effectuate the secure mounting of the optical component mount (120 a,120 b, 120 c, and 120 d) to the rail 110.

Each of the housing (122 a, 122 b, 122 c, and 122 d) of the opticalcomponent mounts (120 a, 120 b, 120 c, and 120 d) further includes anoptical component dock (126 a, 126 b, 126 c, and 126 d). Each of theoptical component dock (126 a, 126 b, 126 c, and 126 d) is configured tosecurely and coaxially receive an optical component (not shown in FIG.1A) in a manner that defines an optical axis (132 a, 132 b, 132 c, and132 d) substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the rail 110.In this example, each of the optical component dock (126 a, 126 b, 126c, and 126 d) is configured as a threaded hole for mating with externalthreads of a corresponding optical component. It shall be understoodthat the optical component dock may be configured in different mannersfor securely receiving an optical component.

The distance and position of the center of the thru-hole (124 a, 124 b,124 c, and 124 d) with respect to the center of the optical componentdock (126 a, 126 b, 126 c, and 126 d) are accurately controlled toensure that the optical axes (132 a, 132 b, 132 c, and 132 d) of theoptical components mounted on the mounts (120 a, 120 b, 120 c, and 120d) are substantially aligned (i.e., substantially collinear). Thisensures that the optical components are substantially concentric witheach other, and that the optical surface of each of the components issubstantially perpendicular to the propagating light beam. The lockingscrews (130 a, 130 b, 130 c, and 130 d), whose ends contact the flatportion 112 of the single rail 110 via the countersink holes (128 a, 128b, 128 c, and 128 d) ensure that the position of the optical componentmounts (120 a, 120 b, 120 c, and 120 d) with respect to the single rail110 is secured and locked.

The apparatus 100 further comprises a base 150 for mounting theapparatus on an optical table (not shown). In this regards, the base 150may comprise a slot 152 to receive one or more threaded screws forsecuring the base onto the optical table.

Additionally, the apparatus 100 further comprises a telescopic assembly160 securely mounted on the base 150. The telescopic assembly 160includes a bore 162 through which a telescopic mount 164 extends andslides coaxially along a longitudinal axis of the bore. The telescopicmount 164 is further configured to rotate coaxially within the bore 162.The telescopic assembly 160 further comprises a locking knob 166 forlocking the telescopic mount 164 within the bore 162 in a desiredvertical and angular position. The telescopic mount 164 further includesa mounting post 168 extending vertically and coaxially above thetelescopic mount. The mounting post 168 is configured to be receivedthrough another hole at a bottom side of optical component mount 120 c,in this example. A user may adjust the vertical and angular position ofthe telescopic mount 164 within the bore 162 to vertically and angularlyposition the optical component mounts 120 a, 120 b, 120 c, and 120 d asdesired.

FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary apparatus 100including a couple of optical components mounted thereon in accordancewith another aspect of the disclosure. In this example, the apparatus100 further comprises a lens 180 securely and coaxially mounted in theoptical component dock 126 c of optical component mount 120 c.Additionally, in this example, the apparatus 100 comprises a camera 190securely and coaxially mounted in the optical component dock 126 d ofoptical component mount 120 d. Although in this example, the lens 180and camera 190 are examples of optical components that may be mounted tothe apparatus 100, it shall be understood that other types of opticalcomponents may be mounted to the apparatus as well.

Because the optical component mounts 120 c and 120 d are secured ontothe common single rail 110, and the distance and position of the centersof the thru-holes 124 c and 124 d with respect to the centers of theoptical component docks 126 c and 126 d are accurately controlled, thelight beam (shown as an alternating dash-dot arrow line) propagatessubstantially through the optical axes 132 c and 132 d of the lens 180and camera 190. Again, this ensures proper optical alignment between thecomponents 180 and 190 to ensure accurate and precise opticalprocessing, detection and measurement.

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of another exemplary apparatus200 that includes at least one optical component (a “junction opticalcomponent,” hereinafter) configured to transmit and/or receive lightbeams to and from different directions. In summary, the apparatus 200comprises optical component mounts mounted respectively onto a pluralityof rails or rail sections that intersect at the junction opticalcomponent. As some examples, junction optical component may beconfigured to split a light beam, combine light beams, change light beamdirection, or transmit light beams in different directions.

More specifically, the apparatus 200 comprises a plurality of opticalcomponent mounts 220 a, 220 b, 220 c, and 220 d similar to opticalcomponent mounts 120 a, 120 b, 120 c, and 120 d of apparatus 100,previously discussed. That is, each optical component mount (220 a, 220b, 220 c, and 220 d) comprises a housing (222 a, 222 b, 222 c, and 222d) that consists of a single rail mount (224 a, 224 b, 224 c, and 124 d)(e.g., a thru-hole) mechanically coupled to a portion of a rail or railsection (210 a, 210 b, 210 c, and 210 d).

In this example, each rail or rail section (210 a, 210 b, 210 c, and 210d) has a semi-circular cross-section with a flat surface (212 a, 212 b,212 c, and 212 d). Similar to the previous embodiment, the flat surface(212 a, 212 b, 212 c, and 212 d) is used in connection with a lockingmechanism to secure the optical component mount (220 a, 220 b, 220 c,and 220 d) to the rail or rail section (210 a, 210 b, 210 c, and 210 d).However, it shall be understood that that the rail (210 a, 210 b, 210 c,and 210 d) may be configured with a cross-section of any shape.

Each optical component mount (222 a, 222 b, 222 c, and 222 d) includes alocking mechanism (228 a/230 a, 228 b/230 b, 228 c/230 c, and 228 d/230d) for securely locking the rail or rail section (210 a, 210 b, 210 c,and 210 d) to the rail mount (224 a, 224 b, 224 c, and 224 d). In theexemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a countersinkthreaded hole (228 a, 228 b, 228 c, and 228 d) extending from a sidewall of the housing (222 a, 222 b, 222 c, and 222 d) to the hole (224 a,224 b, 224 c, and 224 d). Further, in accordance with the exemplaryembodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a lock screw (230 a, 230 b,230 c, and 230 d) threaded into the countersink hole (228 a, 228 b, 228c, and 228 d). As discussed in more detail further herein, the tail endof the locking screw (230 a, 230 b, 230 c, and 230 d) makes contact withthe flat surface (212 a, 212 b, 212 c, and 212 d) to urge the rail orrail section (210 a, 210 b, 210 c, and 210 d) against the internal wallof the hole (224 a, 224 b, 224 c, and 224 d) to effectuate the securemounting of the optical component mount (220 a, 220 b, 220 c, and 220 d)to the rail or rail section (210 a, 210 b, 210 c, and 210 d).

Each of the housing (222 a, 222 b, 222 c, and 222 d) of the opticalcomponent mounts (220 a, 220 b, 220 c, and 220 d) further includes anoptical component dock (226 a, 226 b, 226 c, and 226 d). Each of theoptical component dock (226 a, 226 b, 226 c, and 226 d) is configured tosecurely and coaxially receive an optical component (not shown) in amanner that defines an optical axis (232 a, 232 b, 232 c, and 232 d)substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the rail or railsection (210 a, 210 b, 210 c, and 210 d). In this example, each of theoptical component dock (226 a, 226 b, 226 c, and 226 d) is configured asa threaded hole for mating with external threads of a correspondingoptical component. It shall be understood that the optical componentdock may be configured in different manners for securely receiving anoptical component.

In apparatus 200, the rails or rail sections 210 a, 210 b, 210 c, and210 d all intersect at a junction optical component mount 240 for ajunction optical component 280. The junction optical mount 240 includesholes to receive respective portions the rails or rail sections 210 a,210 b, 210 c, and 210 d, the holes being positioned to ensuresubstantial alignment (i.e., collinear) of a set of optical axes 282 a,282 b, 282 c, 282 d of the junction optical component 280 with theoptical axes 232 a, 232 b, 232 c, 232 d of the optical component mounts220 a, 220 b, 220 c, and 220 d, respectively. Although in this example,the longitudinal axes of the rail or rail sections 210 a, 210 b, 210 c,and 210 d intersect each other at right angles (e.g., 90 degrees), itshall be understood that they may intersect each other at angles otherthan right angles.

The apparatus 200 further comprises a base 250 for mounting theapparatus on an optical table (not shown). In this regards, the base 250may comprise a slot 252 to receive one or more threaded screws forsecuring the base onto the optical table.

Additionally, the apparatus 200 further comprises a telescopic assembly260 securely mounted on the base 260. The telescopic assembly 260includes a bore 262 through which a telescopic mount 264 extends andslides coaxially along a longitudinal axis of the bore. The telescopicmount 264 is further configured to rotate coaxially within the bore 262.The telescopic assembly 260 further comprises a locking knob 266 forlocking the telescopic mount 264 within the bore 262 in a desiredvertical and angular position. The telescopic mount 264 further includesa mounting post (not shown, but similar to mounting post 168) extendingvertically and coaxially above the telescopic mount. The mounting postis configured to be received through a bottom hole of the junctionoptical mount 240. A user may adjust the vertical and angular positionof the telescopic mount 264 within the bore 262 to vertically andangularly position the optical component mounts 220 a, 220 b, 220 c, and220 d and junction optical mount 240 as desired.

The junction optical component 280 may be configured to split a lightbeam, combine light beams, change light beam direction, transmit lightbeams in different directions, or perform other optic functions withrespect to multiple direction light beams. As examples, the junctionoptical component 280 may be a prism configured to split incoming lightbeam received from an optical component mounted on optical componentmount 220 a and transmit the split light beams to optical componentsmounted on optical component mounts 220 b and 220 c, respectively. Asanother example, the junction optical component 280 may be an opticalcombiner configured to combine separate light beams from opticalcomponents mounted on optical component mounts 220 a and 220 d, andtransmit the combined light beam to an optical component mounted onoptical component mount 220 b.

As other examples, the junction optical component 280 may be a mirrorconfigured to receive a light beam from an optical component mounted onoptical component mount 220 a, and redirect the light beam to an opticalcomponent mounted on optical component mount 220 b. As still anotherexample, the junction optical component 280 may be a laser sourceincluding optics for generating multiple light beams and directing themto two or more optical components mounted on two or more of the opticalcomponent mounts 220 a, 220 b, 220 c, and 220 d. The junction opticalcomponent 280 may be other types of optical devices different than theaforementioned examples.

FIG. 2B illustrates a top view of the apparatus 200 with the junctionoptical component 280 removed and the top wall of the junction opticalcomponent mount 240 partially transparent to illustrate internalcomponents of the mount. As illustrated, the rail sections 210 a and 210c are sections of a single rail; whereas, the rails 210 d and 210 b areseparate from each other.

The junction optical component mount 240 includes a locking screw 244 amounted through a side of the mount and threaded into a bore 242 aattached to the rail 210 d. This secures the rail 210 d onto thejunction optical component mount 240. The junction optical componentmount 240 also includes a locking screw 244 b mounted through the sideof the mount and threaded into a bore 242 b attached to the rail 210 b.This secures the rail 210 b onto the junction optical component mount240. Further, the junction optical component mount 240 includes alocking screw 244 c mounted through another side of the mount andthreaded into a bore 242 c attached to the rail 210 b/210 c. Thissecures the rail 210 b/210 c onto the junction optical component mount240.

Additionally, the junction optical component mount 240 comprises analignment hole 248 to receive an alignment post (not shown) extendingdownward from a bottom of the junction optical component 280. Inaddition, the junction optical component mount 240 comprises a pluralityof threaded screws 246 for securing the junction optical component 280onto the mount 240.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of another exemplary apparatus 300for mounting and aligning optical components in accordance with anotheraspect of the disclosure. The apparatus 300 is similar to that ofapparatus 100, except that the optical component mounts have docks ofdifferent diameters to accommodate differently-sized optical components.Additionally, the apparatus 300 includes link blocks and multiple railsin order to substantially align the optical axes of the different-sizeoptical components.

In particular, the apparatus 300 comprises a plurality of opticalcomponent mounts 320 a, 320 b, 320 c, and 320 d. Although in thisexample, the apparatus 300 comprises four (4) optical component mounts,it shall be understood that the apparatus may have any number of opticalcomponent mount(s). The apparatus 300 further comprises rails 310 a, 310b, 310 c, and 310 d to which the optical components mounts 320 a, 320 b,320 c, and 320 d are securely mounted. In this example, each rail (310a, 310 b, 310 c, and 310 d) has a semi-circular cross-section with aflat surface (312 a, 312 b, 312 c, and 312 d). As discussed furtherherein, each flat surface (312 a, 312 b, 312 c, and 312 d) is used inconnection with a locking mechanism to secure the optical componentmount (320 a, 320 b, 320 c, and 320 d) on the rail (310 a, 310 b, 310 c,and 310 d). However, it shall be understood that that the rail (310 a,310 b, 310 c, and 310 d) may be configured with a cross-section of anyshape.

More specifically, each optical component mount (320 a, 320 b, 320 c,and 320 d) comprises a housing (322 a, 322 b, 322 c, and 322 d) thatconsists of a single rail mount (324 a, 324 b, 324 c, and 324 d)mechanically coupled to a portion of the rail (310 a, 310 b, 310 c, and310 d) for supporting the optical component mount on the rail. In theexemplary embodiment, the rail mount (324 a, 324 b, 324 c, and 324 d) isconfigured as a hole through the housing (322 a, 322 b, 322 c, and 322d). It shall be understood that the rail mount may be configured in manydifferent manners.

Each optical component mount (320 a, 320 b, 320 c, and 320 d) includes alocking mechanism (328 a/330 a, 328 b/330 b, 328 c/330 c, and 328 d/330d) for securely locking the rail (310 a, 310 b, 310 c, and 310 d) to therail mount (324 a, 324 b, 324 c, and 324 d). In the exemplaryembodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a countersink threaded hole(328 a, 328 b, 328 c, and 328 d) extending from a side wall of thehousing (322 a, 322 b, 322 c, and 322 d) to the hole (324 a, 324 b, 324c, and 324 d). Further, in accordance with the exemplary embodiment, thelocking mechanism comprises a lock screw (330 a, 330 b, 330 c, and 330d) threaded into the countersink hole (328 a, 328 b, 328 c, and 328 d).As discussed in more detail further herein, the tail end of the lockingscrew (330 a, 330 b, 330 c, and 330 d) makes contact with the flatsurface (312 a, 312 b, 312 c, and 312 d) to urge the rail (310 a, 310 b,310 c, and 310 d) against the internal wall of the hole (324 a, 324 b,324 c, and 324 d) to effectuate the secure mounting of the opticalcomponent mount (320 a, 320 b, 320 c, and 320 d) to the rail (310 a, 310b, 310 c, and 310 d).

Each of the housing (322 a, 322 b, 322 c, and 322 d) of the opticalcomponent mounts (320 a, 320 b, 320 c, and 320 d) further includes anoptical component dock (326 a, 326 b, 326 c, and 326 d). Each of theoptical component dock (326 a, 326 b, 326 c, and 326 d) is configured tosecurely and coaxially receive an optical component (not shown) in amanner that defines an optical axis (332 a, 332 b, 332 c, and 332 d)substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the rail (310 a, 310b, 310 c, and 310 d). In this example, each of the optical componentdock (326 a, 326 b, 326 c, and 326 d) is configured as a threaded holefor mating with external threads of a corresponding optical component.It shall be understood that the optical component dock may be configuredin different manners for securely receiving an optical component.

Further, in this example, the diameters of the optical component docks326 a, 326 b, 326 c, 326 d are different to accommodate different-sizeoptical components. For example, the diameter of optical component dock326 b is smaller than the diameter of optical component dock 326 a; thediameter of optical component dock 326 c is smaller than the diameter ofoptical component dock 326 b; and the diameter of optical component dock326 d is smaller than the diameter of optical component dock 326 c. Itshall be understood that the apparatus 300 may combine optical componentmounts with docks of different diameters in any manner as desired by auser.

In order to substantially align (i.e., collinear) the optical axes 332a, 332 b, 332 c, 332 d associated with the optical component mounts 320a, 320 b, 320 c, 320 d, the apparatus 300 further comprises a pluralityof link blocks 360 a, 360 b, and 360 c. The link block 360 a comprises ahousing 362 a including a rail mount 364 a (e.g., a thru-hole)mechanically coupled to a portion of the rail 310 a; the other portionof the rail 310 a being mechanically coupled to the rail mount 324 a ofoptical component mount 320 a. The housing 362 a of the link block 360 aalso includes another rail mount 366 a (e.g., a groove) mechanicallycoupled to a portion of the rail 310 b; another portion of the rail 310b being mechanically coupled to the rail mount 324 b of the opticalcomponent mount 320 b. In this configuration, the link block 360 aeffectively raises the height of the optical component mount 320 b suchthat its optical axis 332 b substantially aligns with the optical axis332 a of optical component mount 320 a.

The link block 360 a further includes locking mechanisms 368 a/370 a and372 a/374 a for securely locking the rails 310 a and 310 b to the linkblock 360 a, respectively. The locking mechanisms comprise a countersinkthreaded holes 368 a and 372 a extending from a side wall of the housing362 a to the hole 364 a and groove 366 a, respectively. Further, inaccordance with the exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanismscomprise lock screws 370 a and 374 a threaded into the countersink holes368 a and 372 a, respectively. As discussed in more detail furtherherein, the tail ends of the locking screws 370 a and 374 a make contactwith the flat surfaces 312 a and 312 b to urge the rails 310 a and 310 bagainst the respective internal walls of the hole 364 a and groove 366 ato effectuate the secure mounting of the link block 360 a to the rails310 a and 310 b, respectively.

Similarly, the link block 360 b comprises a housing 362 b including arail mount 364 b (e.g., a thru-hole) mechanically coupled to a portionof the rail 310 b; the other portion of the rail 310 b beingmechanically coupled to the rail mount 324 b of optical component mount320 b. The housing 362 b of the link block 360 b also includes anotherrail mount 366 b (e.g., a groove) mechanically coupled to a portion ofthe rail 310 c; another portion of the rail 310 c being mechanicallycoupled to the rail mount 324 c of the optical component mount 320 c. Inthis configuration, the link block 360 b effectively raises the heightof the optical component mount 320 c such that its optical axis 332 csubstantially aligns with the optical axis 332 b of optical componentmount 320 b.

The link block 360 b further includes locking mechanisms 368 b/370 b and372 b/374 b for securely locking the rails 310 b and 310 c to the linkblock 360 b, respectively. The locking mechanisms comprise a countersinkthreaded holes 368 b and 372 b extending from a side wall of the housing362 b to the hole 364 b and groove 366 b, respectively. Further, inaccordance with the exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanismscomprise lock screws 370 b and 374 b threaded into the countersink holes368 b and 372 b, respectively. As discussed in more detail furtherherein, the tail ends of the locking screws 370 b and 374 b make contactwith the flat surfaces 312 b and 312 c to urge the rails 310 b and 310 cagainst the respective internal walls of the hole 364 b and groove 366 cto effectuate the secure mounting of the link block 360 b to the rails310 b and 310 c, respectively.

Again, in a like manner, the link block 360 c comprises a housing 362 cincluding a rail mount 364 c (e.g., a thru-hole) mechanically coupled toa portion of the rail 310 c; the other portion of the rail 310 c beingmechanically coupled to the rail mount 324 c of optical component mount320 c. The housing 362 c of the link block 360 c also includes anotherrail mount 366 c (e.g., a groove) mechanically coupled to a portion ofthe rail 310 d; another portion of the rail 310 d being mechanicallycoupled to the rail mount 324 d of the optical component mount 320 d. Inthis configuration, the link block 360 c effectively raises the heightof the optical component mount 320 d such that its optical axis 332 dsubstantially aligns with the optical axis 332 c of optical componentmount 320 c.

The link block 360 c further includes locking mechanisms 368 c/370 c and372 c/374 c for securely locking the rails 310 c and 310 d to the linkblock 360 c, respectively. The locking mechanisms comprise a countersinkthreaded holes 368 c and 372 c extending from a side wall of the housing362 c to the hole 364 c and groove 366 c, respectively. Further, inaccordance with the exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanismscomprise lock screws 370 c and 374 c threaded into the countersink holes368 c and 372 c, respectively. As discussed in more detail furtherherein, the tail ends of the locking screws 370 c and 374 c make contactwith the flat surfaces 312 c and 312 d to urge the rails 310 c and 310 dagainst the respective internal walls of the hole 364 c and groove 366 cto effectuate the secure mounting of the link block 360 c to the rails310 c and 310 d, respectively.

Although not shown in FIG. 3, the apparatus 300 may also include thebase and telescopic assembly of apparatuses 100 and 200 for adjustmentof the vertical position and angular orientation of the apparatus 300. Amounting post associated with the telescopic assembly may be insertedinto a bottom hole of one of the optical component mounts 320 a, 320 b,320 c, and 320 d, or one of the link blocks 360 a, 360 b, and 360 c.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate front, side, and bottom views of an exemplaryoptical component mount 400 in accordance with another aspect of thedisclosure. The optical component mount 400 comprises a housing 422including a rail mount 424 (e.g., a thru-hole) for mechanically couplingto a portion of a rail 410. The optical component mount 400 furthercomprises a locking mechanism for securely locking the rail 410 onto therail mount 424. In this regards, the locking mechanism comprises acountersink threaded hole 428 and a lock screw 430. The threaded hole428 extends from a side wall of the housing 422 to the hole of the railmount 424. The screw 430 includes a substantially flat end that makescontact to a flat surface 412 of the rail 410 to urge the rail againstthe internal wall of the hole 424 to secure the rail 410 to rail mount.

The housing 422 of the optical component mount 400 further includes anoptical component dock 426 configured to securely and coaxially receivean optical component 480. As previously discussed, the optical componentdock 426 may be configured as a threaded hole configured to thread withexternal threads around the perimeter of the disk-shaped opticalcomponent 480. As shown, the central longitudinal axis of the opticalcomponent mount 426 may substantially aligns with the optical axis ofthe optical component 480. Also, as illustrated, the longitudinal axisof the hole 424 and the rail 410 is substantially parallel to andhorizontally aligned with the optical axis of the optical component 480.

The housing 422 of the optical component mount 400 further comprises ahole 432 extending vertically upward through the bottom side of thehousing. The hole 432 is configured to receiving a mounting post 458disposed on a telescopic mount 454 in order to adjust the verticalposition and angular orientation of the optical component mount 400, aspreviously discussed with respect to the previous embodiments. The hole432 may also be horizontally aligned with the rail hole 424 and theoptical component dock 426. As shown, the optical component dock 426 ispositioned vertically above the rail hole 410 which, in turn, ispositioned vertically above the mounting hole 432.

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate front, side, bottom and perspective views of anexemplary link block 500 in accordance with another aspect of thedisclosure. The link block 500 comprises a housing 562 including a railmount 564 (e.g., a thru-hole) for mechanically coupling to a portion ofa rail 510 a. The link block 500 further comprises a locking mechanismfor securely locking the rail 510 a onto the rail mount 564. In thisregards, the locking mechanism comprises a countersink threaded hole 568and a lock screw 570. The threaded hole 568 extends from a side wall ofthe housing 562 to the hole of the rail mount 564. The screw 570includes a substantially flat end that makes contact to a flat surface512 a of the rail 510 a to urge the rail 510 a against the internal wallof the hole 564 to secure the rail 510 a to the corresponding railmount.

The housing 562 of the link block 500 further includes another railmount 566 (e.g., a groove) for mechanically coupling to a portion ofanother rail 510 b. The link block 500 further comprises a lockingmechanism for securely locking the rail 510 b onto the rail mount 566.In this regards, the locking mechanism comprises a countersink threadedhole 572 and a lock screw 574. The threaded hole 572 extends from a sidewall of the housing 562 to the groove of the rail mount 566. The screw574 includes a substantially flat end that makes contact to a flatsurface 512 b of the rail 510 b to urge the rail 510 b against theinternal wall of the groove 566 to secure the rail 510 b to thecorresponding rail mount.

The housing 562 of the link block 500 further comprises a hole 532extending vertically upward through the bottom side of the housing. Thehole 532 is configured to receive a mounting post 558 disposed on atelescopic mount 554 in order to adjust the vertical position andangular orientation of the link block 500. The hole 532 may also behorizontally aligned with the rail hole 564 and rail groove 566. Asshown, the rail groove 566 is positioned vertically above the rail hole564 which, in turn, is positioned vertically above the mounting hole532.

The rail hole 564 and rail groove 566 are configured to orient thelongitudinal axes of the rails 510 a and 510 b substantial parallel witheach other. Additionally, as previously discussed with apparatus 300, afirst optical component mount may be mounted on rail 510 a and a secondoptical component mount may be mounted on rail 510 b. Also, aspreviously discussed with respect to apparatus 300, the first opticalcomponent mount may be configured to support an optical component havinga larger diameter than one supported by the second optical componentmount. Also, as previously discussed, because of the differentconfiguration of the first and second optical component mounts, the linkblock 500 is configured to substantially align the optical axes of thefirst and second optical component mounts, the optical axes also beingsubstantially parallel with the rails 510 a and 510 b.

While the invention has been described in connection with variousembodiments, it will be understood that the invention is capable offurther modifications. This application is intended to cover anyvariations, uses or adaptation of the invention following, in general,the principles of the invention, and including such departures from thepresent disclosure as come within the known and customary practicewithin the art to which the invention pertains.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a first rail; a secondrail; a first optical component mount comprising a first housingconsisting of a first rail mount mechanically coupled to a first portionof the first rail for supporting the first optical component mount onthe first rail, the first housing further comprising a first opticalcomponent dock configured to support a first optical component in amanner that defines a first optical axis, wherein the first rail mountand the first optical component dock are configured such that the firstoptical axis is substantially parallel with a first longitudinal axis ofthe first rail; a second optical component mount comprising a secondhousing consisting of a second rail mount mechanically coupled to afirst portion of the second rail for supporting the second opticalcomponent mount on the second rail, the second housing furthercomprising a second optical component dock configured to support asecond optical component in a manner that defines a second optical axis,wherein the second rail mount and the second optical component dock areconfigured such that the second optical axis is substantially parallelwith a second longitudinal axis of the second rail, and wherein thefirst and second longitudinal axes are substantially parallel and spacedapart from each other; and a link block comprising a third housingincluding a third rail mount mechanically coupled to a second portion ofthe first rail, and a fourth rail mount mechanically coupled to a secondportion of the second rail, wherein the third and fourth rail mounts areconfigured to substantially align the second optical axis with the firstoptical axis.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first opticalcomponent mount dock comprises a first cylindrical hole through thefirst housing, and the second optical component dock comprises a secondcylindrical hole through the second housing, wherein a first diameter ofthe first cylindrical hole is greater than a second diameter of thesecond cylindrical hole.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the thirdrail mount comprises a hole.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thefourth rail mount comprises a groove.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the link block further comprises: a first locking mechanism forsecurely locking the first rail onto the third rail mount; and a secondlocking mechanism for securely locking the second rail onto the fourthrail mount.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the third rail mountcomprises a hole formed within the third housing; wherein the firstlocking mechanism comprises a first threaded screw positioned within afirst threaded hole within the third housing, wherein an end of thefirst threaded screw is configured to urge the second portion of thefirst rail against the third housing within the hole to securely lockthe first rail onto the third rail mount; wherein the fourth rail mountcomprises a groove formed within the third housing; and wherein thesecond locking mechanism comprises a second threaded screw positionedwithin a second threaded hole within the third housing, wherein an endof the second threaded screw is configured to urge the second portion ofthe second rail against the third housing within the groove to securelylock the second rail onto the fourth rail mount.
 7. An apparatus,comprising: a first rail; a second rail; a first optical component mountcomprising a first housing including a first rail mount mechanicallycoupled to a first portion of the first rail for supporting the firstoptical component mount on the first rail, the first housing furthercomprising a first optical component dock configured to support a firstoptical component in a manner that defines a first optical axis; asecond optical component mount comprising a second housing consisting ofa second rail mount mechanically coupled to a first portion of thesecond rail for supporting the second optical component mount on thesecond rail, the second housing further comprising a second opticalcomponent dock configured to support a second optical component in amanner that defines a second optical axis; and a first link blockcomprising a third housing including a third rail mount mechanicallycoupled to a second portion of the first rail, and a fourth rail mountmechanically coupled to a second portion of the second rail, wherein thethird and fourth rail mounts are configured to substantially align thesecond optical axis with the first optical axis.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 7, wherein the first optical component mount dock comprises afirst cylindrical hole through the first housing, and the second opticalcomponent dock comprises a second cylindrical hole through the secondhousing, wherein a first diameter of the first cylindrical hole isgreater than a second diameter of the second cylindrical hole.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 7, wherein the third rail mount comprises a hole. 10.The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the fourth rail mount comprises agroove.
 11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first link blockfurther comprises a locking mechanism for securely locking the firstrail onto the third rail mount.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, whereinthe third rail mount comprises a hole formed within the third housing;wherein the locking mechanism comprises a threaded screw positionedwithin a threaded hole within the third housing, wherein an end of thethreaded screw is configured to urge the second portion of the firstrail against the third housing within the hole to securely lock thefirst rail onto the third rail mount;
 13. The apparatus of claim 7,wherein the first link block further comprises a locking mechanism forsecurely locking the second rail onto the fourth rail mount.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 13, wherein the fourth rail mount comprises a grooveformed within the third housing; and wherein the second lockingmechanism comprises a threaded screw positioned within a threaded holewithin the third housing, wherein an end of the threaded screw isconfigured to urge the second portion of the second rail against thethird housing within the groove to securely lock the second rail ontothe fourth rail mount.
 15. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising:a third rail; a third optical component mount comprising a fourthhousing including a fifth rail mount mechanically coupled to a firstportion of the third rail for supporting the third optical componentmount on the third rail, the fourth housing further comprising a thirdoptical component dock configured to support a third optical componentin a manner that defines a third optical axis; and a second link blockcomprising a fifth housing including a sixth rail mount mechanicallycoupled to a third portion of the second rail, and a seventh rail mountmechanically coupled to a second portion of the third rail, wherein thesixth and seventh rail mounts are configured to substantially align thethird optical axis with the second optical axis.
 16. The apparatus ofclaim 15, further comprising: a fourth rail; a fourth optical componentmount comprising a sixth housing including an eighth rail mountmechanically coupled to a first portion of the fourth rail forsupporting the fourth optical component mount on the fourth rail, thesixth housing further comprising a fourth optical component dockconfigured to support a fourth optical component in a manner thatdefines a fourth optical axis; and a third link block comprising aseventh housing including a ninth rail mount mechanically coupled to athird portion of the third rail, and a tenth rail mount mechanicallycoupled to a second portion of the fourth rail, wherein the ninth andtenth rail mounts are configured to substantially align the fourthoptical axis with the third optical axis.
 17. The apparatus of claim 7,further comprising: a base configured to be attached to an opticaltable; a telescopic assembly comprising: a bore mounted substantiallyvertical on the base; and a telescopic mount configured to slidevertically along and rotate angularly around a longitudinal axis of thebore, wherein the second optical component mount is supported by thetelescopic mount; and a locking mechanism configured to lock thetelescopic mount within the bore at a vertical position and angularorientation as desired by a user.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, whereinthe second housing of the second optical component includes a bottomside with a hole receiving a post extending upwards from the telescopemount.
 19. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising: a baseconfigured to be attached to an optical table; a telescopic assemblycomprising: a bore mounted substantially vertical on the base; and atelescopic mount configured to slide vertically along and rotateangularly around a longitudinal axis of the bore, wherein the first linkblock is supported by the telescopic mount; and a locking mechanismconfigured to lock the telescopic mount within the bore at a verticalposition and angular orientation as desired by a user.
 20. The apparatusof claim 19, wherein the third housing of the first link block includesa bottom side with a hole receiving a post extending upwards from thetelescope mount.